(Peru, Neb.) – On a very blustery day which saw the flag blowing straight to the left from the camera's view, the Peru State softball team dropped a double header to the University of St. Mary (USM) in Leavenworth, Kan. The Spires won 3-2 and 7-3.
 
USM improved to 5-10 on the season while Peru State dropped to 6-9.
 
Game One Action
 
It was pretty much a pitcher's duel although both teams did have opportunities in several innings to score, but could not push across the runs.
 
The Spires would score first in the bottom of the third with a run.
 
In the top of the fourth, the Bobcats would tie it up. Alyiah Franco (Syracuse, Utah) tripled to deep right to start the inning. Morgan Wilke (Bakersfield, Calif.) singled to right drive in Franco to tie the score at 1-1. Tyler Farrell (Brandon, Fla.) laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Wilke into scoring position, but the next two batters could not get Wilke home.

 
After no scoring the fifth and sixth innings, the Bobcats would gain the lead in the top of the seventh. After an out, Carlie Kohout (Hickman) entered as the designated player and doubled down the right field line. Patricia Trice (Nebraska City) came in to pinch hit and reached on a bobble which allowed Kohout to score to put Peru State up 2-1. Trice was later caught stealing and the final batter grounded out.
 
In the bottom of the seventh, after an out, USM had back-to-back singles and then they had a walk. Peru State had a good opportunity to get the second out as the ball was batted back to the pitcher, but unfortunately the catcher bobbled the ball to allow the tying run. Then, the next batter hit a single to drive in the winning run.
 
The Spires scored their three runs on eight hits and had one error. Peru State scored their two runs on four hits and had two miscues.
 
Takia Walker (Enterprise, Ala.), Franco, Wilke, and Kohout each had one hit. Trice and Wilke were credited with one RBI.
 
Alana Krieser (Lincoln) pitched a complete game. Krieser tossed 6.1 innings and allowed 8 hits, 3 runs – 2 earned, and struck out 2.

GAME ONE GAME BOOK
 
Second Game Action
 
The Bobcats scored first with a pair of runs in the top of the first inning. Brooklyn Franco (Syracuse, Utah) reached on a walk. She was forced out on a double play with the next batter. Gracie Mejia (Green Valley, Ariz.) singled to first and then Hailey Wessel (Malcolm) stepped to the plate and hit a home run to make it 2-0. The Bobcats would eventually strand a pair of base runners in the inning, but still led.
 
St. Mary would score a run in the bottom of the second and then took the lead in the bottom of the third by plating three runs to go up 4-2 at that point.
 
In the top of the fourth, Trice doubled to left-center. On a ground out, Trice moved to third. Takia Walker (Enterprise, Ala.) reached on a fielder's choice with Trice scoring to make it 4-3. The 'Cats would load the bases, but could not push any more runs across.

 
The Spires added three more runs in the bottom of the fourth for what would be the final score of 7-3.
 
USM scored their seven runs on ten hits and committed one error. Peru State scored their three runs on eight hits and had three miscues.
 
Alyiah Franco and Wessel each had two hits to lead the team. Wessel was credited with two RBI while Walker had one.
 
Cheyenne Leach (Wymore) started the game on the mound and was tagged for the loss. Leach gave up nine hits, seven runs – five earned, and struck out two. Brittney Teeman (Raytown, Mo.) tossed one inning and did not allow any runs. Bailey Bitz (Ravenna) threw one inning and allowed one hit while striking out one.

GAME TWO GAME BOOK
 
Upcoming Games
 
Mother Nature has forced the first of her changes as Peru State will now be hosting Mount Mercy (Iowa) on Friday, March 12, in a double header beginning at 1 p.m. This will be the first Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) action for both teams. Presently, the Mustangs have opened the season with a 7-1 mark.
 
On Saturday, the 'Cats will host another Heart double header at 1 p.m. when Clarke (Iowa) visits. The Pride are 4-6 on the season and will be playing Graceland (Iowa) on Friday before heading to Peru State.